Attempted murder arrest over shooting of boy, 16
BBCA teenager has been arrested after a 16-year-old boy was left with potentially life-threatening injuries when he was shot in Birmingham.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the shooting in Bowyer Road, Alum Rock, just before 17:30 BST on Wednesday, West Midlands Police said.
The victim was taken to hospital and is in a critical condition, police said.
"Although this happened near a mosque, at this stage we do not believe the shooting to be connected to this place of worship," the force said.
One resident said: "I was on my way to work actually, I was working a night shift. I came this way [in the direction of where the accident was], but it was all blocked off.
"When I found out it was a 16 or 17-year old on social media, I found it was very emotional, very sad."
Another resident added: "People are now scared to come out their homes, purely because of the shooting."
Det Insp Francis Nock urged anyone who saw anything or has dashcam or doorbell footage to get in touch.
He said officers would be in the area on Thursday to offer reassurance to the local community.
Police urged anyone with further information to get in contact or speak to Crimestoppers.
'Incredibly difficult time'
On Wednesday, Birmingham city councillor Majid Mahmood said he was related to the victim, adding the attack felt "incredibly personal".
In a statement Mahmood, a councillor for neighbouring ward Bromford and Hodge Hill, said: "Like so many across the community, I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that has taken place in Alum Rock."
He said his thoughts and prayers were with the victim, his family and everyone affected "during this incredibly difficult time".
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent an ambulance, paramedic and critical care car to the scene, at the junction between Bowyer Road and St Saviours Road.
"Upon arrival, ambulance staff discovered a teenage boy being cared for by bystanders," a service spokesperson said.
"He was assessed and had sustained potentially life-threatening injuries."
The boy received advanced trauma care from ambulance staff before being taken to hospital.
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance was also sent to the scene.
Mahmood said that the family's "one heartfelt request" was for people not to share any photos or videos from the scene. He said anyone with footage or information should instead send it directly to police.
"At times like this, our community is strongest when we come together with compassion, dignity and respect," he added.
Mahmood told the BBC later that the injured boy had undergone a seven-hour operation.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
